In the never-ending quest for free publicity, guerilla marketers have gone through great lengths to try to make a big splash. Many guerilla marketers will often concoct stunts that are risky or illegal to grab the publics’ attention. Some stunts go over better than others while a few completely backfire. As a tribute to these foolhardy souls, WebUrbanist has put together their top 5 mishaps in guerilla marketing. The list, inside…
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Darque Tan Prevents You From Dying Of Vitamin-D Deficiency
By 5.1.08
According to an article in The Daily Texan, law student Emily Prewett, has filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General against the company Darque Tan because of their misleading and irresponsible ads. One of their television commercial begins with a man in white lab coat saying, “Science has discovered that UVB from tanning converts cholesterol into Vitamin D.” Then the narrator says, “Mmm yeah. Vitamin D-licious. Come get yours with a free week of level 1 tanning.” The TV ad and more details, inside…
How About Those Super Bowl Ads!
By 2.4.08
Last night’s commercials were a tame batch of disappointment. Everybody wanted cutesy animals—squirrels, horses, ponies, pigeons, crickets, dogs, lions, and lizards—to endorse their products. After the jump, the four spots that caught our eye.
Super Bowl Ads Are Designed To Fuel Mindless Buying
By 2.3.08
Companies are paying $90,000 per second tonight to get their products before our recession-fearing eyes, and they plan to get their money’s worth. Tonight’s advertisers will use an array of tactics designed with one purpose: motivating us to buy their products.
Disturbing Cheese Ads With Luis Guzmán And His Fellow "Cheddar Hunks"
By 1.15.08
Okay, we’re just going to say it: calling men of a certain age “cheddar hunks” just sounds like they all smell like stinky feet. That’s a table I want to stay far, far away from. Nevertheless, Cabot Cheese of Vermont has launched a new television campaign featuring Guzmán and his Stinky-Feet-Friends sitting around drinking beer and eating cheese. It’s weird. And though we have always liked Cabot Cheese, now it’s going to be hard not to think of middle-aged toes (and werewolves) whenever we go cheddar shopping. Urg.
UPDATE: Circuit City Apologizes For Not Honoring Call Of Duty Advertisement
By 11.8.07
Adam writes us to say that Circuit City has apologized for not honoring their advertisement and have offered to compensate him with both games for free.
CheapAssGamer.com Subpoenaed By Circuit City
By 8.10.07
According to Consumerist’s sister-site Kotaku, CheapAssGamer.com has been sued subpoenaed by Circuit City over some leaked advertisements posted to their forum.
Chili's Awesome Blossom Menu Picture Vs Reality
By 8.5.07
The Chili’s in Tuscaloosa, AL served Mike an “Awesome Blossom” that looks like it was run over by a truck. Mike didn’t complain to his waiter or the manager, but he did write to us:
US Air Tray Ads Annoy
By 7.24.07
US Air has boasted ads on seatback tray tables for many months now, but they still have the power to irk some customers, as reader Cameron writes:
I took these photos on my return flight from New Orleans this past Sunday. It appears that, in order to bolster revenues, US Air has turned to placing advertisements on the top surfaces of your seat back tray. Not only that, but they are “self-aware”, sporting beverage spill graphics and touting the safety of Ford SUVs. I was settling into my seat and was going to lower my tray to hold my book and iPod when I was confronted by this – I must say this should be stopped and I’ve already contacted US Air complaint line.
Visa Tap-N-Go Ads Piss Us Off
By 7.11.07
We loathe these Visa commercials. They show commerce going along like clockwork. People paying with their tap-and-go Visa card. Getting their donuts. Until one guy pay with cash. Everything screeches to a halt. He gets looks from the cashier and other customers.
Top 10 Worst Marketing Gaffes, Flops, and Disasters
By 3.2.07
The Consumerist’s guide to the top 10 worst gaffes, flops, and disasters in the history of American marketing and advertising.
David LaChapelle’s Boots Commercial
By 11.16.06
Yes, Virginia, there is a true meaning to Christma: looking ab-fab. — BEN POPKEN
Sinus Blaster Pepper Spray Makes You Say Fuck
By 10.11.06
The first ad featuring rank, unbleeped obscenity has aired on the Sirius network. The product? Appropriately enough, a nasal inhalant featuring capsaicin called Sinus Blaster.
